Los Angeles Police are warning residents to be aware of their surroundings in the Hansen Dam area after a young woman was assaulted.

A woman in her 20s was walking along the upper bike path at Hansen Dam on June 30 at about 9:30 p.m. when a man approached her from behind, said Det. D. Razzano.

The suspect grabbed the woman and forced her into an isolated area and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5’6” to 5’7” tall, weighs about 200 pounds and is about 23-to-25 years old. He has thick eyebrows, bags under his eyes and puffy eyelids with freckles on his cheeks, thick lips, light mustache and protruding ears.

At the time of the assault, he was wearing a navy blue or black T-shirt or jersey, black sweatpants and black shoes.

Hansen Dam is a popular area for those who want to walk, jog or bicycle. Law enforcement is warning those who use Hansen Dam area not to go alone.

“Always make sure you are running, walking or biking with someone,” Razzano said. “Pair up and always be aware of your surroundings.”

There were two attempted sexual assaults reported in 2008.

“They are similar but we don’t know if [this assault] is related to those in 2008,” he said.

If a person matching the suspect’s description is seen, LAPD detectives advise not to confront him but to immediately call 911. If anyone has any information concerning the incident they are asked to contact the Foothill detectives section of LAPD at (818) 834-3115.